Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust: Help shape our 2027–2030 funding – your insight matters

AFCFT message to the Service community:

We are beginning our consultation to shape the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust’s funding approach for 2027–2030, and we would really value your insight as serving personnel. We have the approval of Gen Humphris (ACDS(People)) to reach out to you.

We want to understand the issues you and your families are experiencing, particularly during periods of high operational tempo, and where there may be gaps or emerging needs. Your lived experience is essential in helping us focus our funding on what would be most genuinely helpful.

We are very conscious of the pressures on your time. So we are asking if you are able to complete an online survey, anonymously, https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LWPQ6TY.

Our role is to complement what already exists by funding services and support that add practical value for you and your families.

If you are willing to share reflections, examples or priority areas we should be considering, your contribution would directly inform how future funding is shaped.

Thank you for everything you do, and for considering supporting this work.

BFBS to deliver live coverage of the 2026 Nepal Cup Final on 4 July

Image Credit: Gurkha Brigade Association

BFBS to deliver live coverage of the 2026 Nepal Cup Final on 4 July

On 4 July 2026, one of the most significant occasions in Gurkha sport returns as the Nepal Cup Final is broadcast live exclusively with BFBS (British Forces Broadcasting Service), bringing together tradition and pride in a showcase event at the heart of the military sporting calendar.

The hugely anticipated final will be streamed live on Forces News YouTube and on BFBS TV (serving personnel and families overseas only) ensuring those in active service, veterans, and military football followers across the globe can follow every moment of the action as it unfolds.

The Nepal Cup is widely regarded as one of the most important days in Gurkha sport, combining elite competition with cultural celebration and ceremonial tradition. The Queen’s Gurkha Signals have dominated recent years, lifting the trophy for the past two seasons, including a 2-0 victory over the Queen’s Own Gurkha Logistic Regiment in last year’s final. In 2024, the competition delivered one of its most memorable editions to date, featuring a five-goal thriller packed with outstanding goals and emotional reactions.

Kyle Dixon, BFBS Sport Reporter & Producer, said: “BFBS looks forward to sharing the livestreamed experience in this final, a standout occasion where tradition and sporting talent come together to unite the military community. Being able to capture the colour and intensity in real-time is at the heart of what BFBS Sport does.”

BFBS broadcasts more than 60 live military sporting events each year, continuing its mission to connect the global forces community through sport. This year’s final promises to deliver another iconic moment in military sporting history, with news coverage also available here: https://www.forcesnews.com/sport/football/nepal-cup-final-experience-amazing-gurkha-football-event-live-bfbs-sport

Don’t miss a moment, follow BFBS Forces News on Facebook, Instagram and X.

Northern Ireland: Road Map to Recovery - Peer support for Veterans in Northern Ireland

  

Road MAP to Recovery is a veteran led, peer support programme for veterans as well as their families and carers across Northern Ireland.
They offer veterans the opportunity to regularly come together in a safe, peer-supportive environment to find better ways of coping with issues around relationships, feelings of anger, loneliness, addiction and trauma.
There are a number of groups across Northern Ireland. So, if you or someone you know needs support, please contact Michael on 07422 074363 or visit Contact Us - Inspire Wellbeing

Information provided by HIVE NI

Bovington: Employment support drop in session Wed 5th August

Appointments not necessary, just turn up.

Information provided by Bovington HIVE

North East Fife: Cafe Inc is back for the School holidays

Cafe Inc is a free lunch club for children and young people. It offers tasty, healthy meals during school holidays when schools are closed.

No booking needed, just drop in. Children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult, who can also enjoy a meal.

❗There will be no Café Inc service on 20 July 2026 due to the public holiday.

🍎Leuchars, The Coach House The Coach House, Main Street, Leuchars

Cold packed lunches
Availability:
Tuesday and Fridays
Throughout holidays
11.45am-1pm

🍲St Columbas Primary School North Union Street, Cupar

Hot food and cold packed lunches
Availability:
Monday to Friday
Throughout holidays
11.45am-1pm

Northern Ireland: Supporting Our Veterans & Armed Forces Community - NI Veterans Commissioner David Johnstone

  

Supporting Our Veterans & Armed Forces Community.
The Armed Forces Covenant is a promise by the nation to ensure that those who serve, those who have served, and their families are treated fairly. It is not about special treatment, it is about equality.

Backing the Covenant means recognising the sacrifices made by our Armed Forces community and ensuring they receive the same access to services, support, and opportunities as everyone else.

Information provided by HIVE NI

DIO Update: Publication of NAO Report on the repurchase of the Defence SFA Estate

The National Audit Office (NAO) has today published its report into the MOD’s buy-back of 36,000 homes.

The report confirms that bringing these homes back into public ownership has already stopped what could have been billions of pounds in future losses, while giving the MOD the control it needs to improve housing for families. The homes had originally been sold in 1996 and leased back for many years, at huge cost to taxpayers. Since completing the buy-back in early 2025, the MOD has been able to redirect money previously spent on rent into making homes better.

Whilst the report states that the deal to repurchase was the lowest cost option and handled effectively, it also highlights some challenges for the MOD and the need to establish the Defence Housing Service with the powers and autonomy it requires to deliver planned reform efficiently.

For the full set of NAO recommendations and details on the report’s impact, further information is available on Defence Homes

Don’t forget that you can sign up to get Defence Homes updates direct to your inbox via this link: https://defencehomes.mod.gov.uk/newsletter-landing-page/

Leuchars: Families Community Day Wednesday 12th August

click on image to enlarge

£10 per family or Adults £3 and children £2, food is not included in cost.

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

Northern Ireland: Northern Ireland Veterans Commissioners Office - Veterans Newsletter NI

We are pleased to share the latest edition of the quarterly Northern Ireland Veterans Newsletter.

Inside, you'll find a selection of stories, updates and highlights from across the veteran community over the last three months. While we've included as much as possible, there's been so much happening that we couldn't fit everything into this edition.

You can read the newsletter here:
https://www.nivco.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Veterans-Newsletter-NI-Issue-6_.pdf

Information provided by HIVE NI

Royal Wootton Bassett: 'Bassett Breasties' - breastfeeding support group 2026 schedule

 

Please click here to visit the Facebook page

Information provided by Lyneham HIVE